It's because of problems that relate to the inability of integrating registrations data with NSFAS data that would result into determining the eligibility of students for funding as well as sluggish processes to disperse funds to students at institutional level.

— Gwebs Qonde, director general at the Department of Higher Education

It is now the end of July and we still have cases that haven't been resolved for funding of students in institutions. It is a situation that is very worrying and requires all the attention.

— Gwebs Qonde, director general at the Department of Higher Education

Qonde says there is a task team in place that will be working with NSFAS to attend to these matters quickly.

He says the minister has also suggested an investigation into NSFAS operations to determine where the problem is.

That's the reason the minister is saying there must be a proper investigation in order to determine the deficiencies in the business processes, operations as well as work ethics at NSFAS which includes the entire staff contingent, management and the board...

— Gwebs Qonde, director general at the Department of Higher Education

To hear the rest of the interview with the education department's Gwebs Qonde, listen below: